Somerville is an atmospheric adventure game that immerses players in a beautifully crafted world filled with mystery and emotion. Developed by Jumpship, this indie title combines stunning visuals with a compelling narrative that explores themes of family, survival, and the unknown. Players take on the role of an unnamed protagonist navigating through a post-apocalyptic landscape after a significant event disrupts life as they know it. This guide provides essential tips and strategies to help players explore the environment, solve puzzles, and fully enjoy the emotional journey that Somerville offers.

Understanding the Game Mechanics

Before diving into the world of Somerville, it’s essential to grasp its core mechanics, which blend exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative-driven gameplay.

Gameplay Overview

• Side-Scrolling Perspective: Somerville employs a side-scrolling perspective, allowing players to move left and right while interacting with the environment. This design creates a cinematic experience that emphasizes storytelling and atmosphere.
• Minimalist Controls: The game features simple controls, focusing on movement and interaction. Players will primarily use a few buttons to navigate the world, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Exploration and Environment Interaction

• Open-World Elements: While Somerville has a linear progression, players can explore various environments that are rich with details and secrets. Exploration is key to understanding the story and discovering hidden elements.
• Environmental Hazards: Players must navigate hazards such as environmental obstacles, hostile creatures, and changing weather conditions. Awareness of the surroundings is crucial for survival and progression.

Mastering Movement Techniques

Movement is a critical aspect of Somerville, and mastering it will enhance your exploration experience.

Navigating the Environment

• Fluid Movement: The protagonist can run, jump, and interact with objects in the environment. Players should practice these movements to become familiar with the controls and the physics of the game.
• Using the Environment: Utilize the environment to solve puzzles and progress through the game. Look for interactive objects, pathways, and areas that may require platforming skills to access.

Jumping and Climbing

• Skillful Jumping: Jumping is essential for navigating gaps and obstacles. Timing your jumps correctly will help you avoid hazards and reach new areas.
• Climbing Mechanics: Some areas will require climbing. Pay attention to ledges and climbable surfaces to explore higher ground and uncover secrets.

Engaging with the Story

The narrative in Somerville is rich and emotionally engaging. Engaging with the story can enhance your overall experience.

Understanding the Protagonist

• Character Development: As players progress, they learn more about the protagonist’s background and motivations. Understanding their story is crucial for appreciating the emotional weight of the journey.
• Family Dynamics: The game revolves around themes of family and connection. Pay attention to the interactions and memories that unfold, as they provide context for the protagonist's actions.

Themes and Motifs

• Exploring Central Themes: Somerville delves into themes of loss, survival, and the impact of external forces on personal lives. Reflecting on these themes can add depth to your understanding of the narrative.
• Emotional Resonance: The game evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing. Engaging with the story can deepen your emotional investment in the characters and their journeys.

Solving Puzzles

Puzzles are integral to the gameplay experience in Somerville. Solving these puzzles often leads to key items or story revelations.

Types of Puzzles

• Environmental Puzzles: Many puzzles require players to interact with the environment in specific ways, such as moving objects or activating mechanisms. Look for visual clues that indicate how to manipulate the environment effectively.
• Logic Puzzles: Some puzzles involve logical thinking, requiring players to deduce how to unlock doors or access new areas. Take your time to analyze the environment and think creatively.

Strategies for Solving Puzzles

• Observe Clues: Look for visual clues in the environment. Patterns, colors, and shapes can provide hints on how to solve puzzles effectively.
• Trial and Error: Don’t hesitate to experiment. Some puzzles may require multiple attempts or combinations of actions to solve. Learning from mistakes can lead to breakthroughs.

Managing Resources

Resource management is crucial in Somerville, particularly when it comes to health, items, and collectibles.

Health and Healing

• Avoiding Hazards: Players may encounter environmental hazards and hostile creatures. Avoiding confrontations is often the best strategy. Use stealth and agility to navigate around threats.
• Finding Resources: Scavenge for items and resources throughout the game. These can include collectibles that enhance your journey and provide insights into the world.

Collectibles and Upgrades

• Collecting Items: Throughout the game, players can find various collectibles, including memories and lore pieces. Collecting these enhances the narrative and provides insights into the world.
• Using Upgrades: Some items can be used to improve the protagonist’s abilities or provide new interactions. Pay attention to what you find, as these upgrades can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.

Exploring the World

The world of Somerville is filled with intricate details and hidden secrets. Exploring it thoroughly is crucial for a rewarding experience.

Key Locations

• Starting Area: The game begins in a familiar environment that quickly turns surreal. Take your time to explore this area to familiarize yourself with the controls and mechanics.
• Advanced Areas: As you progress, you’ll encounter more complex environments, such as urban landscapes and natural settings. Each area has its unique characteristics and challenges, so explore thoroughly.

Utilizing the Map

• Understanding the Map: The in-game map is an essential tool for navigation. Familiarize yourself with its layout to track objectives and locate important areas.
• Marking Locations: Use the map to mark important locations, such as where you found collectibles or encountered challenges. This will help streamline your exploration.

Preparing for Major Events

As the game progresses, players will encounter significant events that require preparation and strategic planning.

Anticipating Major Story Beats

• Recognizing Patterns: As you progress, certain patterns in the narrative may emerge. Use this knowledge to anticipate upcoming challenges and prepare accordingly.
• Character Awareness: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of the protagonist. This knowledge will help you navigate climactic situations more effectively.

Strategic Planning

• Plan Your Abilities: As you approach major events, think about the abilities and items you have acquired and how they can be used strategically. Prepare for intense encounters by equipping the right tools.
• Resource Management: Keep track of your resources leading up to major events. Ensure you have enough items and collectibles to maximize your effectiveness in key scenarios.

Replayability and Exploring Different Outcomes

Somerville offers replayability, allowing players to explore different choices and outcomes in subsequent playthroughs.

Exploring Different Paths

• Multiple Endings: The game features multiple endings based on the choices you make and how you approach certain scenarios. Replaying the game allows you to explore these different narrative paths.
• Collectibles and Lore: Use New Game Plus or multiple playthroughs to collect any missed collectibles and deepen your understanding of the game’s lore.

Experimenting with Different Strategies

• Try Different Approaches: Experiment with various strategies in puzzle-solving and exploration. This can lead to fresh experiences and new ways to engage with the story.
• Explore Character Relationships: Different choices can impact character relationships. Try navigating the story with different dynamics to see how it affects the narrative.

Conclusion

Somerville is a captivating adventure that invites players to explore a beautifully crafted world filled with emotional depth and mystery. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, players can enhance their experience, navigate the challenges of the game, and engage deeply with its rich narrative. Embrace the freedom of exploration, solve puzzles, and enjoy the heartfelt journey that awaits in Somerville.